To come ...
CHARTER FIVE // 28 MAY - 8 JUNE // 2005
To Come ...
CHARTER FOUR // 14 MAY - 25 MAY // 2005
Passengers:
Hilton Lawrence, Philip Gouws, Jethro Jewell, Craig Mackay, Bruce Armstrong, Gordon Boyers, George Darne, Monte Fuller, Leah Emery
Three massive lows push over the Indian Ocean towards Indo causing a huge fluster in Padang, with everyone who's anyone predicting the 'swell of the decade' in the Mentawais.
As our South African mates found out those people and their predictions were right.
The guys were thrown straight in the deep end on their first ever Mentawai trip, surfing 6ft absolutely smoking Maccas in the first few days. Everyone has a go after some initial nerves but after a few surfs most are charging. Those who prefer their frontside try out the right hander on the other side of the bay and score big time.
George and Bruce are up for some culture and venture up the river to pay a visit with the friendly locals. They are amazed by how beautiful the scenery is along the river edge, viewing heaps of birds and listening to the mysterious calls of the jungle. The various tributaries they describe as being main roads to the villagers and the boys are intrigued by their unique way of life.
After a change from all that perfection we steam up north. The waves are also pumping at a few spots so we use the speedy and end up surfing 4 breaks in one day. Some prefer lefts and others prefer rights so why not try all of them!! By now our guests confidence is growing and everyone pushes themselves to limit. Phillip scores an unbelievable tube which is forever sealed on film.
Selemat (our main deckhand) takes us all on a walk through the town at Telescopes to meet some of his friends. We end up being able to view his very own cococonut lined beach front land over looking the main break, and the guests dream with him of what it would be like to live in such an idylic place. Leah and I are all smiles because for now we already do. Amazing!
There were some keen fisherman on this trip and George lands himself a pair of giant G.T's and a couple of blue fin tuna. Hilton trys his first ever trawling mission and ends up getting another G.T and also a tuna. But Craig is the keenest trawling in the rubber ducky every morning and afternoon with many a story of the big one that got away. Starting as a really big fish, to a huge shark, to a massive monster.
We head up to playgrounds for the last few days and as Jeffroy describes "this place is like a theme park where you choose your ride." The water is crystal clear where you can coral view and check out the fish while you are sitting out the back waiting for your next wave.
Always adventurous Craig is pumped when the captain suggests one last surf at gnarly Bankvaults. He charges as usual and reluctantly is dragged out of the water to speedy back to the Barrenjoey for the crossing back to Padang. The next morning as he is getting off the boat and we are saying our final goodbyes he asks "is it offshore out there". To this the captain replys "somewhere would be absolutely pumping right now". There was almost a tear in Craig's eye.
Thanks for a great trip guys, we really enjoyed your company and wear those Mentawai tattoos with pride. See you all again when we turn up on your doorstep with our backpacks!
Captain Byron
CHARTER THREE // 30 APRIL - 12 MAY // 2005
Passengers:
Stephen Cox, Robin Cox, Ross Hawke, Martin Loosemore, Stephen Sugden, Dean Huston, Timothy McCormick.
CHARTER TWO // 15 APRIL - 27 APRIL // 2005
Passengers:
Milan Thompson, Michael Ray, Lachlan Barnard, Stephen Kay, Nichol Wylie, Adam Sharp, Gerard D'Avezac de Moran, Andrew Jakubowski, Byron Hitchenson
A nostalgic charter in more ways than one. The BJ steamed out of Teluk Nibung without her stalwart yellow tender, the Toranna. This dinghy had been with them since Australia. She had ferried many a surfer to and from the breaks, had fish flap in finality upon her deck (including one 60kg sailfish), she'd sunk twice, cracked her hull numerous times, outlasted 3 engines. Each time we had rebuilt her, polished her up and kept her working. The Toranna was being temporarily replaced by a new orange inflatable and the delayed new tender which was due to turn up mid trip.
It was a fine night to cross the straight under the glow of a volcanic fires on the Sumatran coast. The whole area was still rumbling. The tectonic plates settling back into their earthly slumber for now. The crew were an excited bunch of industry blokes from the infamous Rip Curl company hell bent on clean waves, cold beer, and the overall break from the grindstone·.
Kman their leader. Still as surf-stoked now as in 1986 when the Capt had leant him his board to tackle the 10' Portuguese Pipe. The North Narra training days paying off that day. But the Capt wondered, did he still have it?
Then there was MRay, brother to one of the true living bigwave legends in Australian surfing (TRay). Milo was back on board, his 2rd trip aboard the BJ. Would this be as good as his first epic? You could probably stick Milo in a bathtub and his mellow nature would see him having the time of his life. Gerrad was the French connection. One of the original French surfers; still amping after many years playing in the ocean waves. Lachy reckoned he was on a 'working holiday' searching for new creativity amongst the tropical aspects of a boat charter on a pure surfing mission. Time would tell whether the sunsets would surmise. Sharpy was living in the USA. The beer taste good, the accents twanged and the thought of some pure surf had him roaming the decks in anticipation. Nichol, the other Vicco was ready to surf. Simple. Mind you, he was not about to let the others in on all the fun. Drew, the lone Seppo, quietly amped. Would he cop shit from all these Aussies? Did he really care?
Rights, lefts, more lefts. Gerrad and Kman laughing at the natural footers, for now, more lefts. Swell building. All these blokes could surf. Byron was doing his first tip with the Capt, who had ventured back to Indo to check on the operation. The guys surfed their hearts out on the 3-6' waves. They broke the "Joey" (4m inflatable) in by landing many fish and deftly avoiding piercing the rubber with hooks. There were barrels, wipeouts and clean 'ol cruising.
Amidst the charter, John went back to Padang to collect the new tender, "Bynda Laut". It took him 3 hours to drive from Padang to the islands and meet up with the lads aboard the Barrenjoey. They had been enjoying perfect lefts by themselves. The new tender was a beauty. Powered by two 140Hp Suzukis and capable of cruising at 25 knots with all aboard.
On one particular day, they all steamed up the coast checking the nooks and crannies and surfing 3 different spots in a day. Thumbs up all the way.
The end of the trip saw the swell hit and a lot of boats surfing the right epic. Kelly Slater put on a show for them all. There were helicopters buzzing the line-up, jetskis and photographers. In a big way it was a crowded end to the trip, but what a show! Surfing had reached another level.
By the time they headed home, all were surfed out, sun burnt, and stoked. The beers never tasted so good.
CHARTER ONE // 2 APRIL - 13 APRIL // 2005
Passengers:
Robert Pirie, Jason Penny, Ross Hassum, Brett Williams, David McCarthy, Jason Quinn, Warren Hughes, Leah Emery
First trip of the season...what a blast!!!! We steamed through the night arriving as the only boat at offshore Riffles. The guys, a mixture from the Goldy, Sydney, and the Gong, enjoy their first surf at the perfect un-crowded right-hander. Jason. Q clocked up at least 4 hours nonstop surfing.
Next day Bells takes its first victim snapping Wazzas mal clean in half. He learns to ride a short board pretty fast.
Day three - The Office. In the afternoon the tides pushes in the swell to a pumping 4 ft. The boys are stoked!! The knee boarders are chargers. Heaps of good shots! Bit of excitement as we feel an earthquake. Pull up anchor and head for deep water, but all is good.
The boys enjoy a day with a light offshore at Lances Left. Rob takes a few inside ones and requires a bit of first aid. Big Dave takes the wave off the day. Some celebrities drop in for a visit.
The swell drops a bit and there is a heap of fish to be caught. Michael, Rob and Brett go on an expedition and bring back a feast. Delicious fresh fish for dinner. Watch the sunset with full bellies, beers and good company...
A few sore heads the next day but once in the water surfing 4 ft glassy Frankos all feel a million bucks again. Jason.P rides his old faithful board and is ripping it up. Feel a couple of more earthquakes - all O.k.
Reluctantly our trip comes to an end and all leave with a sparkle in their eyes and many memories of white sandy beaches, coral reefs and sick pits. See you next year boys!
Captain Byron
CHARTER SEVENTEEN // 10 NOVEMBER - 24 NOVEMBER // 2004
Passengers:
Phil Leadley, Glen Platt, Richard Gadd, Eden Scallan, Rick Scott, Luke Wilson, Ian Wallace, Adam Gibson, Simon Gibson, Peter Campbell.
10 Passengers on the Barrenjoey....could be a bit busy but hey we are all mates aren't we? A couple of weeks on a boat will sure put that to the test!
The charter was the last for the year and the maps were sending us mixed signals....oh well it can't be worse than back at Bondi (north east, flat, full of pommy backpackers and yuppies who think a mal is a fashion accessory).
PC was looking as pasty as I had ever seen him and his back and neck were looking as stiff as a 4x2. Platty had total reconstruction from the waist down. The Gibbo sisters were untested in Indo waters (unusual on this charter as the other pax has a combined total of 87 trips between them) Adam's preference for hanging his tongue out at every opportunity had the boys reaching for the 40+ block out before each surf. Gadster had a fine looking 7'4 Local Motion that hinted that we might be getting some serious overhead stuff! The Weepster...was the man Elvis turned to if fish was on the menu....time and time again he landed a big one when all hope seemed lost! Thanks Champ Rick, Deadley and Scall (The Doctor, Randy Longslong, take your pick!) just kicked back knowing the waves we were about to get! Wall was just looking to smash any lip he saw.....
1st couple of days dawned with great waves in the 4ft ranch to ourselves, 3-4 surfs a day!...surfed out and a couple of Bintangs and I'm hugging the pillow...anyone who's been up here knows the feeling!
The Lizard lounge has heard it all before but some of the stories seemed to grow on a daily basis (and I was telling them!)......shit if you can't sling it to your mates up here....where can you?
The boys fell into a pattern, some over the side before dawn, some needing a bit more grooming and some wheeled out on a stretcher in their favorite slippers to see their mates pulling in!
Second week and still we're in the water every day......not epic by local standards but tell that to the broad smiles that greeted you each evening in the Lizard lounge.
An ugly shirt night was called towards the end of the charter...the boys had kept each of their shirts hidden until the unveiling! It happened the last arvo, The BJ was anchored by a perfect 3ft right-hander. Slowly the boys were magically drawn back to the mother ship for the unusual fashion parade. Deadley paraded around in a shirt that looked like a test pattern on acid, Weepster took it up a level and strolled out with his gimp mask on accompanied by a green G-string a freshly caught mullet completed his ensemble. Rick was next to arrive dressed as Leif Garrett....long white socks and sandals, Tom Carroll tight red shorts a yellow red orange muscle top 4 sizes too small. Wall, he took another tack ...... lets just say he raided a chicks wardrobe and after 2 weeks at sea his pins looked alright! Scall turned up with an asian influenced shirt and had everyone on it from Bruce lee to Fo man chu (his handle bar moo had him looking to star in a bad 70's romantic comedy). An expression session was called in the fading light and the villagers looked on in disbelief as the Gimp-master pulled into a perfect barrel, Leif Garret was not to be out done and donned a pair of aviator sunnies and paddled out on a 70's single fin classic hot buttered. Surprisingly Leif socks sandals sunnies and single fin got slotted 1st wave unfortunately the boys in the lounge were laughing so much no-one had thought to pick up a video....some things are burnt into your memory banks anyway.
The Ugly shirts now have new owners so if you up here and you see a local in a particularly amusing number you know were they came from. We ended up getting waves every day...the same couldn't be said for some of the other boats, as always The Barrenjoey had good karma on her side.
See ya next time.
CHARTER FOURTEEN // 2 OCTOBER - 13 OCTOBER // 2004
Passengers:
Stephen Hall, Stephen Vallance, Gary Skow, Ross Vincent, Jeffrey Sheard, Tony Blundell, John Kent, Stephen Blakey
It was one of those white rash shirts with the built in hat. Brand new. He looked all the part of an alpine paratrooper on a reconnaissance mission in the Artic Circle. His yellow boardshorts tore through the glare like a sand storm scraping the terygiums from the eyeballs of his fellow surf comrades. He saluted. A steel forefinger leaving an imprint in the middle of his forehead. The seven surfers had lined the gunnels of the Barrenjoey and they returned his salute, yelling out an almost incomprehensible 'Hai!' in unision. His name; Colonel Wasabi. His mission; to overcome the demons running riot from his brain to his heart, to confront the giant waves crashing on the coral reef, to stand tall and lick the roof inside one of the enormous caverns being formed by said waves, to lead this band of mid life panic merchants in a battle against the fearsome foe of 'lost youth'.
He jumped overboard and began the short lonely paddle towards the empty lineup. The surfers watched their leader, in absolute awe of his bravado. They would follow him anywhere and so began readying themselves for the smashings to come.
Skowy removed his front tooth. The mark of the man from a battle fought years before. He and his good mate, Roscoe, had been lured aboard by memories of adventure with the Captain's alter ego, Bucket from 19 years previous in a sleepy fishing village on the coast of Portugal. A time when games of 'Get-Off-Me', Dumb Heads, and jumping off 50 ft cliffs left no margin for the faint of heart. Stevo, his mate, Stevo, and their mate, the Sheep Shearer began gingerly waxing their boards. They were members of an elite group known as 'The Blind Force' from a similar era of youthful undertakings. PK had already shed his city windings claiming absolute relaxation as his highlight of the voyage so far. But the twitching had returned as he readjusted the velcro on his leg-rope strap. Tony's torn calf muscle began to uncontrollably throb as he rubbed all the ointments available on the boat. No-one would know what pain he was in till after the battle.
They paddled as a team just as the first wave picked the Colonel up and threw him awkwardly as he stylishly attempted to drop into its bowels. It was not a good start. The grey beards bristled upon crusty chins till Stevo screamed like a Banshee and entered the zone in a frenzied paddle.
The view from the Lizard Lounge was spectacular. Waves were caught and surfed with abandon. Wipeouts were witnessed and zapped their energy. Barrels spat the odd warrior into pure bliss. Fear fornicated with their souls. But they emerged, oh yes they emerged·.smiling, somewhat battered yet miraculously unscathed.
As the sun set and the Bintang cans clinked in prelude to a well earned thirst quenching guzzle, a photo was snapped freezing an aura of pure exuberance, of a ceaseless battle against the elements, of grins a mile bloody wide. There could only be one word to describe the scene·..deserving.
Postscript: after the epic, the Barrenjoey and all aboard tapered off on some fun waves. There was not a worry in the world till Elvis, the stalwart cook and creator of countless meals that have sustained the BJ's clientele since day one, fell to the floor clutching his side. A suspected appendicitis was confirmed by Dr Dave Jenkins who was in the area. The trip was cut short and the boat steamed back to Padang where Elvis was rushed to hospital and operated upon immediately. He now has a personal piece of bait he plans to catch a very special fish with upon his return to work.
CHARTER THIRTEEN // 18 SEPTEMBER - 29 SEPTEMBER // 2004
Passengers:
John Bennett, David Lang, Antony Warrilow, John Clarke, Brian Murtagh, Ian Lyons, Adrian Ouilter-Harvey, Neill Rose-Inness
The Wilderbeast was back with a bunch of motley mates from around the globe. We left in a storm. We returned in a storm. Full circle encompassing a voyage of fantastic surf, a released sailfish, and good old relaxation.
The Maldivian Maestro, Ian, began complaining about aches and pains he had not felt in years. But he could not stop. It was 6ft and reeling. Just the 2 of them, and the captain would not let him go in. The beers never tasted so good that evening. Langy saw similarities to his time at Jefferys Bay. "way heavier" was how he described this wave. Adrian caught the longest wave of his life, as did Ian, and the Wilderbeast. In fact it was one of the best days of the year for all and sundry·.but enough of that.
Between fishing jaunts, Brian and JB, caught more than their fair share of waves. Our American rep, Johnno, learnt a thing or 5. Neil simply loved every minute of every wave.
We have to mention that little left on that lazy afternoon. It was only an hour and a half. But it was perfect and any goofyfooter worth his salt would have loved it·funny thing was, the natural footers weren't complaining either.
2 swells in 10 days. That'll do!
CHARTER TWELVE // 4 SEPTEMBER - 16 SEPTEMBER // 2004
Passengers:
Nicholas Chalmers, Malcolm Chalmers, Robert West, Ben Ingwersen, Blake McKinnon, Stewart McKinnon, Lachlan McKinnon, Dean Cogle
Mentawai's aboard the Barrenjoey by Andrew McKinnon
Our maiden Mentawai's voyage upon the good yacht Barrenjoey in September 4 th- 15th, 2004 was magnificent. The Gold Coast group of 8 was all Mentawai virgins and we surfed our brains and bodies to the max. The surf might not have been 8 - 10ft epic, we still surfed at least 7 different breaks, scored perfect 4ft Lances lefts, 6ft Thunders, 2 -4ft Macca's, plenty of fun 4 to 6ft sessions at HT's and jewel in the crown for the natural-foots was scoring Rifles. Not a day didn't go by without surf, - the first 5 days, we surfed three times a day like there was no tomorrow!
"Stop your whinging!" said the Skipper John McGroder in jest as we were like kids in a lolly shop! The Skipper led by example (the bugger can surf!) was out first, McGroder knew all the breaks like the back of his hand which made us feel prepared. The Skipper's crew from Nias were totally on it - first mate Selamat would escort us out to the various breaks on the run-about, drop us off, after the sess, pick us up and ferry us back to the boat where we would be greeted with a glass of cold aqua from third mate U-de. To ensure we were fully fuelled up, Elvis the Cook who could surf and play the guitar made sure that we feasted like the Royal family. In fact we ate so much we HAD to go surfing as Elvis would serve up a sumptuous feast - three times a day - Elvis- you're a legend! One day my oldest son Blake caught a trevally and Belinda the skipper's wife and 6 months pregnant and Elvis went to town on a sushi spread. "It's all in the preparation," said Belinda as she proudly passed the plates across the saloon bar to the mess table for the hungry surfing wolverines. Unfortunately one of our crew didn't eat seafood but Elvis always whipped up a tasty alternative. Rob and I shared the dreaming (big time) cabin, I was lucky to score the bottom double bunk (Belinda's sister Sharon insisted on it!) while Rob was content to sleep above.
On the first night it was really barmy and Rob decided to let some fresh air in by opening up a porthole right next to his head. He was in a blissful sleep until a wave came crashing through the port hole and drenched him in the middle of the night! He told me about it in the morning and we laughed until we looked closely at the instructions under the port-hole which stated, "Do not open unless with the Captains permission!" Rob West became something of a legend on that trip breaking the record for the number of floggings and one broken board but would always come back for more. Rob grew up in a circus and is a tough fella. He also broke the record for nicknames, prior to boarding Barrenjoey, we had a little warm-up in Bali, to cut a long story short his first nickname was "Tom Cat?!" Rob nearly drowned at HT's after going over the falls, his rash top pulled over his head like an underwater parachute dragging him down and losing a booty that was ripped mercilessly. That made him more determined and he charged on courageously to be given the second nickname, "Captain Carnage" by Mal who had as many nicknames Meninga, melanoma·. Rob survived all the beatings to score his best surf at perfect Rifles and the Captain anointed him the, "Rodeo Clown".
Our crew was divided up fairly evenly; the good ol boys included Rob, Dean "Picasso" Cogle an incredibly talented artist who drew a black and white portrait of a local chief from Thunders in 30 minutes on board and also landing the biggest fish. Mal Chalmers who went to Hawaii with the great Peter Drouyn in the seventies took the big drop out at Thunders and yours truly talked everyone in to the trip (not that I had to try to hard!) The young crew included my two sons Blake (21) and Lachlan (18) it was a dream come true to surf with my sons who were joined by good mate big Ben Ingwersen and Mal's son Nick. Ben got the bomb at HT's, Blake carved everywhere, Lachs was like a wave magnet and Nick ripped like a young version of Rob Machado.
We all had one mad night on the Bintangs cheering everyone and anything and after 11 days; we were like new people - fully charged and sparked. It was one good call after another, playing cat and mouse with the other charters who we're all very nice, the most crowded was about 15 at Thunders - thanks to John we beat the pack earlier to have it to ourselves. It was just such an excellent trip for all of us, thanks again John and Belinda and Selamat, Elvis and U-de for making it happen and oh yes thanks Huey, u beauty!